Cars

2025 Toyota Highlander Review: Space, Specs, and Price

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Toyota Highlander Review: Space, Specs, and Price

The 2025 Toyota Highlander continues its legacy as one of the most trusted and versatile midsize SUVs on the market. With refreshed styling, smarter technology, enhanced safety features, and improvements in comfort and efficiency, the latest Highlander reinforces Toyota's commitment to reliability, spacious interiors, and family-friendly driving. Whether you're commuting in the city, embarking on weekend adventures, or transporting a carload of kids and gear, the 2025 Highlander delivers a balanced blend of performance, comfort, and value. In this detailed review, we'll explore the space, specs, and pricing that make this SUV a top contender in its class.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The 2025 Toyota Highlander features a bold, modern exterior that combines elegance with rugged SUV cues. The front grille has been slightly updated with a more aggressive mesh pattern, and the LED headlights now include adaptive functionality across higher trims. Standard LED daytime running lights and available LED fog lights further enhance visibility and aesthetics. The profile remains sleek and aerodynamic, with muscular wheel arches and available 20-inch alloy wheels that give the SUV a poised stance on the road.

Measuring approximately 195.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in width, and 69.1 inches in height, the 2025 Highlander offers a commanding road presence while remaining manageable in urban environments. Its wheelbase of 112.2 inches contributes to a smooth ride and ample cabin space. Ground clearance is around 8.4 inches, allowing for light off-road capability and ease when navigating steep driveways or rough terrain.

2025 Toyota Highlander Review: Space, Specs, and Price - exterior shot

Interior Space and Comfort

One of the standout features of the 2025 Toyota Highlander is its interior space. Designed with families in mind, the SUV offers seating for up to eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Most models come standard with second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven, but providing enhanced comfort and easier access to the third row.

The cabin is well-designed with high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and thoughtful storage solutions. Front passengers enjoy 41.5 inches of legroom, while second-row occupants benefit from 41.3 inches—plenty for adults on longer trips. The third row, often a compromise in midsize SUVs, offers 28.0 inches of legroom, which is competitive in its segment and suitable for children or shorter adults on moderate journeys.

Cargo space is another strong point. With all rows in use, the Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of storage behind the third row. Folding down the third row increases capacity to 48.4 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded flat, you get a generous 84.3 cubic feet of cargo volume. This makes the Highlander ideal for road trips, grocery runs, or hauling sports equipment and camping gear.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2025 Highlander is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that keeps drivers connected, informed, and entertained. All trims feature an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch display available on higher-end models like the Limited and Platinum. The system runs on Toyota’s latest multimedia platform and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and over-the-air updates.

Wireless smartphone integration is now standard across most trim levels, eliminating the need for cables. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows passengers to stay online via a 4G LTE hotspot. Audio options range from a standard six-speaker system to a premium 11-speaker JBL audio system on top trims, delivering crisp, immersive sound.

Digital instrumentation is also improved. The base model includes a 7-inch multi-information display, while higher trims offer a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster with customizable views, navigation integration, and driving assistance readouts. A head-up display is available, projecting key driving data onto the windshield for added convenience.

Additional tech highlights include:

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a cornerstone of the 2025 Toyota Highlander, which comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). This advanced suite of driver assistance features is designed to prevent accidents and enhance driver confidence, especially during long trips or in challenging conditions.

TSS 3.0 includes:

Proactive Driving Assist gently nudges the vehicle back toward the center of the lane and adjusts distance from vehicles ahead using predictive algorithms, making highway driving smoother and less fatiguing. The available Advanced Park system includes automated parallel and perpendicular parking, as well as a memory park function for tight garage spaces.

The Highlander also earns top safety marks, with a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a 'Top Safety Pick+' from the IIHS, thanks to its robust structure, excellent crash test performance, and standard safety tech.

Engine and Performance

The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers three powertrain options: a standard four-cylinder hybrid, a new turbocharged engine option, and a plug-in hybrid variant—marking the first time the Highlander has a PHEV model.

Standard Hybrid Powertrain

The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower. It combines a gasoline engine with three electric motors in a front-wheel-drive or available electronic-on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD-e) configuration. This system delivers excellent fuel efficiency—up to 36 mpg combined—with smooth acceleration and quiet operation.

Turbocharged Option

For drivers seeking more power, the 2025 Highlander introduces a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, this engine provides quicker acceleration and improved towing capacity—up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for small trailers or boats.

Plug-In Hybrid (Highlander Prime)

The most exciting addition is the 2025 Toyota Highlander Prime, a plug-in hybrid version with a larger battery and enhanced electric-only range. It produces 302 horsepower and can travel up to 42 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes without using gas. Combined fuel economy is an impressive 92 MPGe in hybrid mode, with total range exceeding 500 miles on a full tank and charge.

All models feature responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension that smooths out bumps and road imperfections. The Highlander rides comfortably on highways and maintains composure through corners, though it’s not designed for sporty handling. Instead, it prioritizes a serene, stable driving experience—perfect for daily use and long-distance travel.

Towing and Off-Road Capability

With the standard hybrid, the 2025 Highlander can tow up to 3,500 pounds—suitable for small campers, jet skis, or utility trailers. The turbocharged model increases this to 5,000 pounds, which is competitive in the midsize SUV segment.

The available AWD system, particularly on the non-hybrid models, includes a Multi-Terrain Select feature with modes for mud, sand, and snow. While not a true off-roader like the 4Runner or Land Cruiser, the Highlander performs well on gravel roads, slippery conditions, and light trails, adding versatility for outdoor enthusiasts.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is available in six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Additionally, the Highlander Prime (PHEV) is offered in XSE and Limited trims. Each trim builds on the previous with added features, comfort, and technology.

Base L Trim – Starting at $37,500

The L trim offers essential features for budget-conscious buyers. Standard equipment includes:

LE Trim – Starting at $39,800

The LE adds more convenience features such as power liftgate, smart key entry, and upgraded fabric seating. It’s a popular choice for families wanting more comfort without a steep price jump.

XLE Trim – Starting at $42,600

The XLE brings premium touches like SofTex®-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual moonroofs. It’s well-equipped for daily driving and weekend getaways.

XSE Trim – Starting at $45,400

The XSE introduces a sportier aesthetic with blacked-out exterior accents, a unique front grille, and sport-tuned suspension. It’s available with the turbocharged engine or as a hybrid, and includes paddle shifters and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Limited Trim – Starting at $48,200

The Limited trim adds luxury features such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It’s ideal for those seeking a more upscale experience.

Platinum Trim – Starting at $52,500

The top-of-the-line Platinum includes everything from the Limited plus 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, a 11-speaker JBL audio system, and advanced parking features. It’s the most feature-rich and comfortable Highlander available.

Highlander Prime (PHEV) – Starting at $49,950 (XSE), $52,950 (Limited)

The Highlander Prime offers the best of both worlds: electric driving for daily commutes and hybrid efficiency for long trips. It includes exclusive styling cues, a dedicated EV mode, and a charging port compatible with Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.

Interior Features by Trim

As you move up the trim ladder, the 2025 Highlander’s interior becomes increasingly refined. Here’s a breakdown of key interior upgrades:

The second-row captain's chairs (standard on most trims) create a more spacious, limousine-like feel. Available features like rear-seat climate controls, rear USB ports, and a rear entertainment system with wireless headphones make long drives more enjoyable for passengers.

Competitors in the Midsize SUV Segment

The 2025 Toyota Highlander faces strong competition from several popular midsize SUVs, including the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Ford Explorer. Here’s how it stacks up:

Honda Pilot

The Pilot is slightly larger and offers a more powerful V6 engine, but it lacks a hybrid option. The Highlander wins in fuel efficiency and standard safety tech. The Pilot has a more rugged interior, but the Highlander feels more refined and tech-forward.

Hyundai Palisade / Kia Telluride

These Korean twins offer more standard features and a longer warranty, but the Highlander counters with superior resale value, lower maintenance costs, and a stronger brand reputation for reliability. The Highlander’s hybrid and PHEV options give it an edge in efficiency.

Ford Explorer

The Explorer has more powertrain options and a third-row that’s easier to access, but it falls short in fuel economy and long-term reliability. The Highlander’s quieter cabin and smoother ride make it a better daily driver.

Fuel Efficiency